Why You Should Ice Your Chest for Better Digestion
If you struggle with digestion issues and have tried just about everything out there to no avail, then you should read this article! It might change everything for you. You’ll be surprised to find out how a simple household ingredient can have such a powerful effect on the body. What’s even more surprising is the way this happens inside us. The best part is you already have everything you need in your freezer right now: Ice. Now, let me explain exactly why you should ice your chest for better digestion.
What is the Vagus Nerve?
In our body, there is a network of nerves that run like a highway between our organs connecting them through impulses that make you walk, talk and eat.
There is, however, one particular nerve that plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions including digestion. It’s called The Vagus Nerve and it runs from the lower part of the brain through the neck, to the chest and stomach.
The Vagus nerve acts as a link between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract. It not only stimulates the production of stomach acid and digestive enzymes but it controls the muscle contractions that impact insulin regulation. Some might call it the backbone of a good working digestive system.
An overly active Vagus Nerve will trigger stress on the body, which in turn will deregulate the stomach and intestines. This means bloating, cramping, constipation, nausea, heartburn, and many other ailments.
We need to stimulate it in such a way that it helps our gut relax and regulate its activity.
The easiest way to do this is with ice.
Why You Should Ice Your Chest for Better Digestion
Take a small bag filled with ice, place it on your chest, and lie down for at least 15 minutes. This stimulates the Vagus Nerve to soften the stress signals from the brain to the digestive tract.
Some other additional benefits of icing your chest are anxiety relief and the promotion of better sleep. In some cases, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can cause chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Applying ice to the chest may help alleviate some of the discomfort while waiting for medical assistance. Additionally, if you’ve strained the muscles in your chest due to physical activity or overexertion, applying ice can help reduce muscle inflammation and ease muscle spasms. This is often used in conjunction with rest and gentle stretching to promote healing.
Nicole Apelian, the author of The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies, has created an entire protocol filled with a lot of tips and tricks to better your digestive system. For example, “Why you Should Elevate the Head of Your Bed and Lie on Your Left Side When You Sleep“.
So, the next time you experience digestive discomfort, don’t rush to the medicine cabinet; head straight to the freezer and let the power of ice work its magic. Embrace this natural and surprising remedy to discover the cool secret to a happier gut and a healthier you.
There’s a lot more, really, and you can find them in Chapter 9 of the book Holistic Guide to Wellness: Herbal Protocols for Common Ailments. There are 45 other Protocols inside for: Autoimmune Protocol, Graves’ Disease Protocol, Hashimoto’s Disease Protocol, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Protocol, Lupus Protocol (SLE), Multiple Sclerosis Protocol, Psoriasis and Eczema Protocol, Rheumatoid Arthritis Protocol, Heart Health Protocol, Candida Protocol, Food Poisoning Protocol, GERD and Acid Reflux Protocol, Leaky Gut, Gastritis and IBS Protocol, Liver Health Protocol, Ulcer Protocol, Adrenal Fatigue Protocol, Diabetes Type 2 Protocol, Thyroid Protocol, Bacterial Infection Protocol, Flu, Viral, and Immune Protocol, Fungal Infection Protocol, Lyme Disease Protocol, Parasite Protocol, Sinusitis Protocol, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Protocol, Anxiety and Stress Protocol, Brain and Nerve Protocol, Depression Protocol, Parkinson’s Disease Protocol, Vertigo and Tinnitus Protocol, Menopause Protocol, Men’s Sexual Health Protocol, Prostate Protocol, Allergy Protocol, Asthma Protocol, Lungs and COPD Protocol, Osteoporosis Protocol, Pain Management Protocol, Acne Protocol, Kidney Protocol, Anti-Aging Protocol, Hair Loss Protocol, Hemorrhoids Protocol, Sleep Protocol, Weight Loss Protocol.
Read about the Protocols that interest you the most in the Holistic Guide to Wellness: Herbal Protocols for Common Ailments.
Thanks for this ice to chest tip! So simple to try. Huh. My grandmother never suggested, even. It was always Vicks rub and heat or steam vapor kind of tips. How is vicks rub with ice?
Thank you Nicole I’ve made 2 of you herbal remedies and there wonderful
Hi Timothy,
It’s very good to hear that our articles and Nicole’s book have been helping you.
Many blessings and good health!
Hi Jennifer,
You’re very welcome! Let us know if it works for you.
Many blessings and good health!
I would have thought it would require warming to open up the esophagus. Might be kind of awkward in a restaurant, but you see all kinds of weird things today.